A few months after the lockdowns began in March, my husband and I moved from Texas back to my hometown in New York. Moving in the midst of a country-wide shutdown has felt disorienting. Ordinarily a vibrant college community, my village has felt more like a ghost town these days, with furrowed brows above masked faces (a necessary reality of living through a pandemic) replacing the friendly and welcoming smiles we expected to see. I have wondered, “Why did you move us here now, Lord? Why, in the midst of a season like this are we in yet another transition?”
I left this place a decade ago, which was a decade after a tragedy that tore my family apart. On a rainy April morning, two of my younger brothers left for an errand and only one returned alive. My brother was 14 years old when he died. I was 19. For the next ten years my life felt empty, lifeless, confusing. My entire family fractured, never to join together whole for another holiday, wedding, or reunion. I felt divided even from myself. After ten years of trying to piece myself together again, I left here, and found hope and healing in Christ and therapy and the blessed relief of time. But coming back home has reminded me of all of it again. Even though the Lord has healed and redeemed, I still remember the grief of those days. Coming back in the midst of the pandemic has highlighted those griefs in some ways too. My questions to the Lord increase.
Several months ago, though, through a series of events I could have never foreseen or orchestrated, two young people began to frequent our home. Their grief is similar in some ways to mine, the loss of a young brother suddenly this year. I sat this morning and thought of Esther in the king’s house, likely wondering why. “Why am I here? Why have I been brought to a place where there is the potential for so much pain? Do I think I will be protected from the pangs of grief that are common to all people and particular to me?”
Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, admonished, “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace” (Esther 4:13), and I hear his echo in my heart too. But perhaps, like Esther, I am here for this time in this place for this reason. For such a time as this? To lend my washer and dryer, my kayaks, my tea, my table, and my tears to two suffering people whose grief cannot be held by them alone.
Pastor and theologian John Piper once wrote, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” It helps me to remember this because even in the most grievous moments, I know there is another moment twenty, thirty, fifty years away for which that previous moment prepared me. It doesn’t lessen the grief of twenty years ago, but it gives it meaning today which I could not have foreseen then. It shapes the meaning of today. And this is what Esther must have learned and come to know in these verses. This time, this aching, awful time, is held secure by a God who knows the future, who ordains the steps of His children, and who has prepared a better Esther, a better Savior for all His people to come.
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110 thoughts on "Mordecai Appeals to Esther"
“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of 3 of them”. This really spoke to me!
For such a time as this… When I have any doubt about where I am in my life I will remember this.
Esther is so brave. ♥️♥️
Kayla, I saw your comment just now. I’m so sorry that you lost your aunt. Please know I am praying for you right now. For healing and comfort for your broken heart and for the peace of God that passes all understanding to surround your heart and mind. God loves you and He hears you. Talk to him. He will respond. ❤️
For such a time as this✝️
I lost my aunt who was a Sunday school teacher and who I turned to for all things to do with Christianity so I feel fractured and lost in my faith.
(I accidentally hit send too early!) I meant to say to serve Him and fulfill the purpose he has for our lives! Wishing you rest and peace, sisters!
What stood out to me most in this reading was when Mordecai said to Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” I love to think this was a moment where Esther discovered her purpose in the Lord. For a while, she may have questioned why she was granted the title of “Queen” I could only imagine, as I am navigating the purpose of my life as well, that she questioned “What on Earth am I doing here!?” I think Mordecai’s simple statement allowed Esther to see she was placed in her position for a reason and that reason was to save her people, God’s chosen. Wow! What a beautiful message that God uses our lives, places us in environments and positions (even though we may not realize why at first) to serve Him
Thank you for your sharing. You’ve touched my heart. We have met at an intersection along life’s journey. Blessings
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I’m sorry about your mom. I lost mine to covid last August and the pain is by far one of the worst. I lost my biological dad 11 weeks after my mom died. I don’t understand the pain and I just basically feel like I go day by day without purpose. One day I will be stronger!
Recently I lost my mother in a tragic accident. She was a praying woman. She was the strongest person I know. We had faced so many challenges together as a family but none as huge as the death of our mother. I do not yet understand why it had to happen but I find hope in knowing that God had already prepared me for it. There is no better comforting thought than knowing that I do not need to understand why, I need to trust God for deliverance in this grief. Today’s devotion just reminded me that God goes ahead of us and sets His plans on motion to deliver us and make true His promises. Thank you. May God strengthen each and everyone of us and may He give us the courage to recognize when the time comes for us to serve our purpose
I lost a friend of mine to suicide my senior year of high school. I was furious with God and turned away, angry that he took her from me. As I’ve grown up and grieved, I realized there was a purpose greater than me for what has happened. Your testimony and this reading reminded me of mine <3
We moved to Texas 4 years ago, and have had an incredible journey here. It didn’t start at out that way. I had actually been so depressed when we first moved, but slowly God started to show why we came. And it’s amazing to see what we would have missed had we not chosen to trust him
Thank you for reminding me today that I’m also here today for a reason and a purpose!
You’re vulnerability touches a deep place in my heart. Thank you so much for sharing.
Very inspirational
So good!
Today’s message really helped me
I am reminded in these verses of Gods intentionality.. every moment past, present, and future was created by him. These moments do not escape his eye or care. He crafts them all for us specifically to bring us into his plan. What a father.. What a Holy Holy Holy God.
❤️I love what you said Rachael- and He is the lifter of our head- in time’s of pain and struggle it can be so hard to keep our eyes on Him and off our circumstances. Trusting and resting in our Father that He truly does have a plan
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Lifting our eyes just that bit higher above the pain and struggle to see Gods hand stretched out. The pain is real, but so is the plan of God. Always moving and working for the good of those who love and serve him. Xx
♡
What a perfect reminder. There is a lesson and clarity in all that we go through. We may not see it now, but God is using the moment.
Thank you for this reading,
I lost my mother 20 years ago, at 9 years old, to breast cancer. I also lost my father a year and a half ago when I was 9 months pregnant with my, now, 18 month old. All of this tragedy had me wondering why God made me a parent without the guidance and support from my own parents. I am here to be my sons mother, and I trust the path that the Lord has for me. Through Jesus, I have guidance
I have been through so many hard things that felt overwhelming and devastating. I never wanted the pain, but God does use our pain, loss, and grief. I think about how everyone goes through some type of pain. I think about the people that don’t know God and how they don’t have Him and His Word to bring hope and comfort like many followers that press in do. Imagine going that life without the hope He provides. Praying that all may be drawn to Him and not reject, but repent and find forgiveness snd Jesus and salvation!
@ NADS I hear you about how living with guilt and taking on unnecessary guilt. It’s so hard and you can’t have true peac. My counselor said if there isn’t something wrong, I will want something to be. It’s like you get used to feeling guilty. I heard R C Sproul preach about Martin Luther and how he was constantly repenting for hours to a priest when he was studying to become a monk. He would leave and feel relief and joy for a short time and then remember something he forgot. He was finally set free by preparing to teach and was studying the Word and commentaries and read Romans1. Here is a link. https://youtu.be/2StKxMKWfbU I am glad I listened to this : I hope this helps all that may listen This is actually helping me right now by remembering this. May God us to remember that Jesus died to set us free! May we all walk in that and be filled with peace and joy and spread that to others and may the come to Him! In Jesus Name Amen.
This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Our pain is not wasted, our hurts can help us find common ground.
@JAEDYN praying for healing and health for your dad and siblings. And peace for your whole family!
@ANGIE thank you for your beautiful words! It really helped me dig even deeper into the application of today’s reading and devotional.
Like many Shes here in the comments, I was struck by the John Piper quote. I’ve been thinking about this recently…that there’s so much God is doing that we don’t even know about. We are only aware of a handful of things…and sometimes those are so miraculous in and of themselves that it’s hard to imagine He’s doing even greater things behind the scenes! Coincidentally, I’m also doing Beth Moore’s Esther study right now. She shares a quote that says “Coincidences are miracles in which God chooses to remain anonymous.” Today’s devotional reminded me of that.
He will hold me fast – during the grief, during the unknown, during the stress, during the trials, during the pain, during the heartache, during the abandonment – He WILL hold me fast <3
Much needed reminder especially during this time in my life with my mother-in-law. Everything is so difficult and many hurtful words, BUT GOD…. He is in control, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I pray that I can/will remember that “He is doing 10,000 things” in my life and my MIL’s life, the vast majority of which I may never be aware!
Sisters, your prayers would be appreciated. This has been an especially difficult week. Thank you.
@Tina @Becky Witmer same here! Praying nonetheless…
Thank-you for your words, Lore! I need to be reminded that in my grief, God is still there and I don’t want to miss any of the 10,000 ways He wants to work through me.
God’s timing is perfect. As I struggle with teaching in-person and online at the same time, I need to be reminded that God is doing 10,000 things thru me that I don’t know about. His strength is made perfect in my weakness and I can depend on Him to carry me through each day, just as He never abandoned Esther.
It’s so good to be able to finally put words and a piece of understanding around hardships and grief that have happened in the past year. But at the same time, it’s good to stop looking at the pain and look for God’s hand at work. It seems to make the pain and hardship a little more bearable.
Needed this reminder…His mercies are new everyday and He is faithful.
So sorry to hear this Melissa.
What a powerful message today. Thank YOU
What a word today! “This time, this aching, awful time is held secure by a God who knows the future and ordains the steps of His children.” What a powerful message of hope for us in a moment where, collectively, I’m not sure we’ve ever needed it more.
I am so sorry you had to experience that! I’m so encouraged you cling to the word! The Lord is our strength!
Thank you for this reminder today. <3
Hi Jaedyn, I’m praying for your father and those that are providing his medical care. I pray for you and the rest of your family, too.
♥️
I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray God’s comfort in such a season of mourning. He is the God who sees (El Roi), and He captures everyone of your tears. Psalm 56:8 says, You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ♥️
Praying for you @MELISSA MCCOLLUM. May God bring you healing and strength each day.
Praying for your brother @CAITLYN. God is faithful. Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
Unfortunately I can relate with you. I lost my son last year, in a car accident. The grief is daily. Clinging to the word is essential. I love this study and the community that goes with it❤️
My heart is hurting today because my brother is in the hospital for the second time in a year for his mental health, but today’s devotional has been comforting. I wanted to share today’s Bible app verse that seems applicable: “Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). No darkness can contain my hallelujah.
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“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life and you may be aware of three of them.”
Just gonna leave that right there.
Praying for your Dad and siblings, Jaedyn.
Becky Witmer, I did the same, twice…
Wasn’t sure where the sisters were getting Jaydeane from!!!!
Praying none the less, for the family..
Blessings. ❤
I’m puzzled because though I see that many are saying that they are praying for Jaedyn and her family… I went all the way back through all of today’s comments (visible to me- 57 so far at 9:15 AM Pacific time) and also yesterday’s comments and I can’t fine any comment or prayer request from someone with the name -Jaedyn?
Maybe we don’t all receive the same amount of comments??
I love the reminder to pray for God to show my why I am here. Whether it’s physical or circumstantial, I want to remember to seek God’s plan where I am today – in the here and now. Rather than always hoping/planning for the future.
Amen
In April of 2020, I was feeling and saying some of the same things Lore was saying. That’s when my niece died and I was helping my sister go through what I had gone through almost 17 years earlier. My son would be helping my nephew go through it too. Almost seventeen years before I had lost my son in an accident. My son died in a drowning accident and my niece died in a car accident but both were unexpected and both died at early ages. So maybe I had gotten an answer to my question many years earlier when I asked God why my son had died at the age of 18. My sister and I are even closer than we have been now. God has blessed me in that way.
Sisters, have a blessed day.
My first thoughts as well Allison! The King and Haman’s reactions were anger and Mordecai looked to God. Being prideful and angry never solved anything.
Amen!!! Amazing words I needed to hear today.
Churchmouse, raising my hands in agreement with you. For such a time as this.
Yes Angie! Amen and amen!
Praying now Jaedyn.
Unfortunately I think they accidentally did not add the whole thing in. It should have been through verse 17.
Praying for your family Jaedyn.
It looks like the app cute the chapter short – in the physical devo book it’s the entire chapter 4 :)
Yes! Very – so I just read ahead?
Anyone else find it odd that the key verse in the devotional wasn’t in the reading today..?
What a beautiful testimony! My heart aches for you, knowing that the grief truly never goes away. Our son was murdered 15 years ago at age 19, so I understand your pain to some degree. How wonderful that you are beginning to see God’s hand. I have learned that He never wastes anything, even the most horrifying situations in our lives.
I also want to say how much I admire Esther. We know that it’s grand that she became Queen, but think of the personal sacrifices she had to make. If she had continued to live with Mordecai as a simple Jewish girl she could have had a marriage with a man who loved her, they could have worked together side by side and been companions. Instead she’s married to a very powerful man with a harem! At the time of Haman’s edict, she hadn’t even seen her husband for 30 days.
Like Jesus she chose to sacrifice herself if need be, for the good of the Jewish people. I am ashamed at the small ways I balk at sacrificing my own needs and wants, when I look at Esther and Jesus Christ.
As I sit here in my living room. Quiet. Dark (but not too dark LOL). Still. The only noise I hear is a faint sound of the traffic nearby.
Many nights and early mornings I sat here taking deep breaths. Praying. Crying out to God quietly as I didn’t want to wake anybody up. I knew then as I know now that what I was going through was not going to be wasted. I also knew and had faith in my God that He was (and still is) walking with me. He never left my side. As painful and SCARY as it was I had no doubt that my JESUS was with me. I also knew it what I was going through someday it would be used to be there for someone else. I’m sure most of us here can relate to Lore (our author this morning). God uses our tragedies, hurts, let downs, life experiences so that we can be there for someone else who may find themselves hopeless because we already went through it and our life experience can bring them hope.
Mordecai’s warning to Esther reminds me of Deborah’s warning to her general. In the end, both women played a pivotal role in fulfilling the will of God. The former needed prompting, the latter was the prompting.
Today, I read Esther 4:2 multiple times. It’s a verse I would typically overlook, but I could clearly hear God saying: “This King wouldn’t let those in mourning come near, but I am a King that will embrace you in the midst of your mourning.” Knowing that God is there with open arms to hold us through the toughest (and the greatest) times in life is such a blessing. What a Savior!
I would like to point out that the king “became furious and his anger burned within him” when Queen Vashti refused him. Then Haman was “filled with rage” when Morddecai refused to bow. These ungodly men’s first reaction is always fear, rage and destruction- fast forward to Mordecai- his reaction was to fast, weep, lament and ultimately take his worries to God!! And look how it turned out for everyone!!! Just a reminder to loose our pride, humble ourselves before God and know if we perish we perish because it is what God wanted!!
Prayers for your father for healing! Also, prayers for your siblings who have Covid to heal. Prayers for your mom to have strength, comfort, and peace through all of this to take care of the family and to do it separately from your dad all while not being able to be with him. Finally, prayers of comfort and peace for you being so far away from all of them. Know that prayers sometimes all we can do, but always the best thing we can do!
10,000 things really hits me hard. After losing my son 3 years ago, it was hard to see God and understand why this happened to me. But today I know he has always had a plan for my life and I just need to open my heart and ears to him. As Esther, it is hard decisions and to know why things go bad before they go good that is part of God’s plan for us all.
Jaedyn, praying for your dad.
Praying for you and your concerns, Nads.
I am praying right now Jaedyn! My father-in-law battled COVID last month and I can relate to that fear and helplessness you are feeling (as I know many others can). God please protect and heal Trevor and bring him home! Please hold Jaedyn and her siblings and mom close and give them hope as they wait!
Praying for your dad and family today Jaedyn. Lord, we ask that you surround Trevor with your hands of healing right now. And we declare that the entire family is strengthened by You Lord Jesus. We pray that Your peace will surround them in this season so that anxiety will be far away from them.
Jaedyn, I’m praying for you and your entire family. ❤️
Praying for your family Jaedyn. My daughter’s name is spelled the same as yours. I hardly EVER find someone with the same unique spelling.
Jaedyn, we’re with you!
holding you all close in prayer, jaedyn♥️
yes, me as well. God is SO very good!
@ERB, you captured EXACTLY how I wanted to phrase things to @ANGIE….I just LOVE this community!
Praying for those who put out requests.
PRAY: Please pray also for me…I am so hard on myself and take on any guilt / blame offered to me. I joke sometimes that if someone made a compelling argument why I am to blame for bad weather, I might believe them!!
PRAY: I am in a season of waiting, praying, (preparing for potential undesirable) accepting in a very important relationship in my life…I need wisdom discernment strength FAITH and patience.
Please and thank you!
Jaedyn, I am praying for you, your father and your entire family. I can only imagine what you’re going through.
If this passage taught me anything, it’s that God wants us to stop and ask “why are we here” in times of distress. But we have to pair that “why” with the knowledge that God uses us as a vessel for His Will. Being a vessel doesn’t always mean being the person directly driving an action (like Esther did), but sometimes it’s meant for us to sit still and internally speak to God and learn more about ourselves in the process.
I’m so thankful for this group of women and am loving this reading series :)
The 10,000 to 3 part really got me! God is so good ❤
Today’s reading reminds me to not only be grateful for the Mordecai’s in my life but to be bold as one myself. We are to speak the truth in love. To be silent can make us complicit. Isn’t that what Satan wants us to be, silent, intimidated, fearful? We have the Good News this world desperately needs. Let us simply open our mouths and share the Truth. For such a time as this.
❤️
Jaedyn praying for you and your family!
I was struck by the fact that although Mordecai is grieving he is also sure God will deliver them! It’s that faithfulness that inspired Ester and I pray I can demonstrate that kind of faithfulness to my own children! May we all be sure of our reasons here to glorify God! Because we are all out here for times such as this!
Praying for healing for your Dad and family Jaedyn! As I come up on my 60th year and look back, it amazes and humbled me how I can see Gods hand in so many of the things I’ve experienced – and my family too. God is SO good! Loved this devotional today. ❤️
Every previous moment prepares us for the present moment. Amen!
Jaedyn I’m praying for your dad and the doctors and nurses caring for him. God give them wisdom and efficiency to know exactly what your dad needs for complete healing! Lord we’re asking for Your strength for Trevor to fight the virus from the inside out and for Your arms of protection and peace around the rest of the family. Psalm 91
Praying for your dad and family today, Jaedyn!
Praying now!
@Angie what you shared really ministered to and resonated with me!! Thank you!!! Also, I absolutely LOVE that you brought up God’s sense of humor. I see it everyday and it always makes me smile, but it is something that is rarely talked about so Thank you for that too!! Be Blessed today sisters!!
Mordecai grieved, Esther doubted why she was there, they both fasted for clarity and to show God they were on board with His plan, no matter how scary it seemed and God’s story of redemption and deep care is about to take off! I love that my grief and doubt are welcomed and embraced by God. Then He encourages me to turn around and trust Him!
Mordecai was aware of the edict of death coming for the Jews. His response: fasting, weeping, sackcloth, and ashes. He, and the Jews, made their despair known. Esther, though in the palace, knew nothing about it. Like the surrogate father/uncle Mordecai supplied her with the information to understand, and gave her counsel as to what she needed to do. This put Esther in a life and death situation. To go to the king without being summoned could mean death. To expose herself as a Jew, meant death. To not do it, meant death to all her people. Only the king had the power to grant life, and Esther had access to the king in a way no other Jew did.
We have one worse than Haman who hates us and seeks our destruction. he is not our friend, he is a lier and deceiver. Like Esther, we are not always aware of everything going on. Thank God for the Mordecai’s He provides, who are aware and warn us of evil. Thank you, Lord, for the discomfort of being stretched, and the opportunity to lay all things before You for guidance and direction. Thank you for helping us sift through truth and lies, that You are a Father who gives us what we need to know, and guide us in the steps to take. I wonder, as the time draws closer for Your return, if things will not get worse. I wonder, if like Esther we will be called upon to stand for our heritage in Christ Jesus. I know that John Piper’s 10,000 number seems huge, and yet I am guessing it is a drop in the bucket to Your activity in our past, preparing our future, and guiding us in the present. Give us eyes to see Lord. Feet that stand. Head and hands that obey. And, a heart of praise and gratitude to you. (I am thinking ahead in the story of when the king will not be able to sleep and be reminded of Mordecai saving his life at an earlier time and will have a parade to honor him, led by Haman, which makes me smile at Your sense of humor.)
It is true, only the KING may grant life. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that grants us life eternal. A past, present, and future…only because of You. Amen.
❤️
Very thought provoking. Calls for some serious self examination.
We have options to choose in life, keep reminding ourselves to choose to fulfill God’s plan in our life, which is a larger mission beyond our SELF. To cling dearly in God’s promise to bring us Home, and that our righteousness rests in Him.
What a powerful testimony! Thankful that He is always at work! Though we are not immune to the effects of this sin cursed world, our Savior is more than enough for us. He is far greater and has a plan that is more than we can imagine! Thankful for His love and sovereignty!
The part that hit me. God is doing 10,000 things in your life right now but you may see only three. Sometimes i can’t even figure out one but i can be sure He is there working and preparing me. Refining me for His purpose
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Sometimes I forget that even when I can’t see it He’s working!
10,000 things, His ways are higher than ours. I must remember for such a time as this
I have enjoyed this reading.
Amazingly timely, thank you Lore. As we are in our third lockdown I see my daughter, an elite but young gymnast who has training 20+ hours a week for 7 years… she should be training, developing her skills and her competition sense. She should be seeing her years of hard work come to fruition but they are not. She is at home, zooming into conditioning sessions, not been near the gym since before Christmas. The years and years of hard work, what will they come to? The future – who knows? God knows, God sees, he knew about this when he gave us the green light for elite gymnastics, he knew when he gave her insane amounts of energy and a tenacious streak where she never gives up. This time and my daughter are held secure by God and in this I have complete confidence.
I know so many have bigger concerns and issues right now, but I love how God sees and speaks to us all ❤️
LORE,I am so sorry for your loss at such a young age.. but thankful for your strength and grace and testimony here today.
But God..
I have learnt that He never wastes a heart so broken, that some pieces seem forever missing, a situation that changes the course of your life forever. He is a God who keeps His promises to work all things for good..He is gentle and kind, compassionate and true.. He is faithful. In His faithfulness, though we know it not, we are being prepared for ‘such a time as this’. To walk alongside others, because we have been on ‘that road’, to love others through, because we had Him loving us through, to just be, because sometimes, that is all that is needed in ‘such a time as this’
We love because He first loved us.
We walk alongside others because He first prepares us to.
We are, because He first gave us the hope and strength to.
God is preparing us always, whether we know it or not, for His purpose.
‘Such a time as this’ comes in many shapes and ways.
I am so very thankful for zoom, a fairly new concept that came to be and my attention, just as the pandemic began. ‘For such a time as this..’ I am able to see if not to hug, my granddaughter, to talk to her, to read to her still, to be a ‘virtual Nanna’ and watch her grow in real time. I am amazed at Gods provision in these times..
But God..
He is faithful and true to His promises.
He is God.
Amen.
Happy Thursday my dears. Be blessed wrapped in love and hugs as always.❤
Imagine all the things he’s moving around me for me. In a less serious, but still frantic and stressful time, can see when I travel and live abroad things starting to go wrong and then miraculously working out. Things obviously set in motion much earlier that fix the “sudden” issue
❤️
10,000 things…. that, I felt deeply. A reminder that his love for us is greater than any love that any person could ever give us.